Latest news with #UniversitiMalaysiaKelantan
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
- Empowering Malaysian Researchers to Meet the Nation's Innovation Ambitions
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. For many Malaysian academics, the journey from research ideas to published papers can be overwhelming. This is especially true if they are up against restricted access to other data and research, combined with the pressure to meet funding deadlines. Publishing research output is an essential part of academic life. More than just a benchmark, it enables scholars to share their discoveries with the global research community, deepen understanding in their area of study, secure funding, and progress in their careers. Furthermore, the tabling of Budget 2025 marked a significant milestone for the education sector with increased government investment in artificial intelligence, research and talent development. Greater expectations have been put on the academic community to ensure that research outcomes are produced, shared openly and recognised globally. This is especially important as Malaysia intensifies its focus on becoming a regional research and innovation hub. With five universities ranked among the global top 200 and 11 subjects ranked in the global top 50 , the country is gaining recognition for its growing academic strength and increasing impact on the global research landscape. Enter open-access, where research is freely available online without paywalls to anyone with an internet connection. Open-access is a quiet but necessary shift away from paywalls toward a more equitable way in which research is shared and read. In today's research landscape, who sees your work can matter just as much as what you publish. Open-access journals provide a vital pathway for academics to expand the reach and relevance of their research by enabling them to: One of the leading advocates of this movement is MDPI, the world's largest fully open-access publisher. With more than 470 journals across all scientific disciplines, MDPI has helped over 4.2 million researchers worldwide publish their work in formats that are freely accessible to anyone with an internet connection. For Malaysian researchers, this shift opens up opportunities for more meaningful research translation. Assoc Prof Lee Seong Wei, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, shares, 'In today's fast-moving research landscape, timeliness is a necessity. 'When there are delays in publication, the relevance of data can become outdated. The speed delivered through open-access ensures that research remains impactful, current, and relevant to the needs of the scientific community. With open-access channels such as MDPI, speed and rigour are not mutually exclusive, providing a much-needed advantage to the academic community.' 'I Didn't Want My Work Stuck Behind a Paywall' Open-access also helps widen the reach of locally produced research, increasing the visibility of Malaysian papers to a global audience and allowing their contributions to be part of international academic conversations. For students, open-access means immediate access to the latest findings without the barrier of expensive journal subscriptions. For institutions, it contributes to global visibility and strengthens their position in academic rankings and collaborations. Prof Ir Denny K. S. Ng, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, who publishes a lot in various international refereed journals on Process System Engineering, shares, 'As a researcher myself, I would like my findings to be accessible by all researchers globally. 'Researchers wish for our work to inform action across government, industry, education, and society. When research is openly accessible, it has the power to shape better policies, drive innovation, and empower communities. 'While publishing open-access often means relinquishing some control over the copyright, I believe that's a necessary step toward a more equitable knowledge ecosystem. 'When research is openly shared, without barriers, it has the power to reach further and drive progress. For example, during the COVID-19 period, all the research outputs were shared publicly. 'This provides the opportunity for all researchers to work together and develop a vaccine for the world. Thus, open access is able to give equal opportunity to all researchers to access the latest research outputs.' Open-access doesn't mean easy One common concern about open-access is the perception that it prioritises speed over scrutiny. But to understand this, it's essential first to consider how academic publishing works. When a researcher completes a study and writes a paper, the paper is submitted to an academic journal. It undergoes a process called peer review, in which other experts in the same field evaluate the scientific accuracy, originality, and quality. This step is crucial for maintaining scientific credibility, but it can also be lengthy and complex. Some worry that open-access platforms, which often promote faster publication timelines, may compromise this rigorous review process in favour of speed. However, leading publishers are actively working to challenge that assumption. MDPI is one example. Since its inception in 1996, MDPI has implemented a thorough peer-review process for all journals in its portfolio, supported by detailed editorial checks. In 2024, it tripled its Research Integrity Team, adopted AI-assisted editorial checks and maintained a 60% rejection rate across nearly 600,000 submissions, reinforcing that speed and quality don't have to be mutually exclusive. 'What stood out about publishing with MDPI was how easy yet balanced the process was. The fast yet constructive peer review gave me confidence to publish openly so all researchers could access my work. The peer review was fast, yes, but the feedback was thoughtful and helped improve the paper in meaningful ways. It didn't feel rushed; it felt intentional. That gave me confidence in the quality of the journal,' shares Prof Dr Mohd Talib Latif, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. MDPI also adheres to the highest standards of research integrity, as a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The bigger picture: accountability meets accessibility As Malaysia reviews its Malaysian Education Blueprint (Higher Education), two goals stand out: increasing global research visibility and ensuring public funds deliver meaningful outcomes. Open-access alone may not resolve every challenge in academic publishing. Still, it remains a vital part of the solution, particularly when integrated with rigorous project evaluation, ethical publishing standards, and platforms that actively support researcher development. In the end, making research accessible isn't just about reach. It's about making sure the work being done and paid for actually moves the needle, both at home and beyond. -- BERNAMA Assoc Prof Dr Lee Seong Wei is a lecturer at the Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan; Prof Dr Mohd Talib Latif is a lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and Prof Ir Denny K. S. Ng is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University.
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Banding Trail Adventure 2025 uncovers 519 biodiversity species
GERIK: A total of 519 species of biodiversity, including flora, fauna, and fungi, were documented during the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2025 programme, significantly boosting Malaysia's national biodiversity records. Organised by the Banding Island Foundation (PBF) in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (TRaCe), and other partners, the three-day expedition involved 50 participants, comprising students and research experts. The team explored a 4.7-kilometre area on Banding Island, employing systematic sampling and identification methods. 'The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist for Pulau Banding, aiding in the monitoring of endangered species and promoting conservation awareness,' PBF stated. The programme set a national record, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the 'Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme.' EMKAY Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal highlighted that only 10% of Royal Belum's biodiversity has been studied, stressing the need for further exploration. PBF chairman Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamed announced plans to develop BTA into a permanent interpretive trail for research and education. 'We hope more researchers will use Pulau Banding as a long-term study site,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
20-07-2025
- Science
- Barnama
2025 Banding Trail Adventure Discovers Over 500 Biodiversity Species
GERIK, July 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 519 species of biodiversity, including flora, fauna and fungi, were discovered in the Banding Island area here through the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2025 programme, significantly enriching Malaysia's national biodiversity database. According to the Banding Island Foundation (PBF), the three-day expedition, which began last Friday, involved 50 participants comprising local university students and research experts. The group explored a 4.7-kilometre area on the island to identify and document species found within the ecosystem. "Throughout the expedition, participants engaged in systematic sampling and identification activities, focusing on biological realms such as Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. These were carried out using a scientific approach grounded in field research. "The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist or 'Species Checklist' for Pulau Banding. The information not only contributes to the national biodiversity database, but also plays a vital role in identifying and monitoring endangered species, while promoting awareness and environmental conservation efforts,' said the foundation in a statement today. BTA 2025 was organised by PBF in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (TRaCe), the EMKAY Foundation, and Belum Rainforest Resort. The programme also saw the involvement of the Belum Forest Friends (BFF), Exotic Animal Teaching Laboratory (EXOTEL), Malaysian Forestry Research Institute, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department, Perak State Forestry Department, as well as several local universities such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The programme made history when it was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for achieving the Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme, with the certificate presented during the closing ceremony held today. Meanwhile, EMKAY Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal, in her speech at the closing ceremony, said that only 10 per cent of the biodiversity around Royal Belum has been studied to date. She emphasised that many secrets and natural treasures remain undiscovered and underscored the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.
Barnama
17-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
13MP Expected To Focus On Green Technology, Digital Transformation, Social Protection
GENERAL By Shaidatul Suhana Ros KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to focus on green digital transformation, modernisation of high-tech industries and the empowerment of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of long-term strategies to build economic resilience and sustainable development. An expert in Finance and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Professor Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said she anticipates the 13MP to be aligned with key policy documents such as the MADANI Economy framework, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. "The 13MP will likely emphasise green technology, economic digitalisation, development of skilled human capital, rural community well-being and efforts to bridge socio-economic disparities between regions,' she told Bernama today. She added that infrastructure development will be a critical pillar, with expected initiatives including the expansion of green transport networks, renewable energy grids and high-speed internet in rural areas. In the education sector, she foresees a continued focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital education and curriculum development for future-ready skills, For the health sector, she predicts that emphasis will be placed on preventive healthcare, telemedicine and the digitisation of national health records to improve service delivery and access across the population. "Security will be enhanced through digital transformation, including the use of drones and AI. In addition, it is timely for the government to consider introducing a people's insurance scheme, a form of microinsurance scheme for the B40 group, gig workers and micro entrepreneurs as part of a more inclusive social protection framework," she said. Commenting on global challenges such as the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysian products, she said the country could minimise the impact on the economy by strengthening innovation, automation and the production of value-added green products as well as expanding the market and upgrading local industries to ensure long-term economic resilience.
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UMK Signs MoUs To Boost National Rare Earth Industry
KOTA BHARU, July 16 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) today signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen the integrated, strategic and high-impact development of the country's rare earth elements (REE) industry. Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Arham Abdullah said the first MoU involves a Triple Helix synergy-based collaboration between UMK, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). He said REE is now recognised as one of Malaysia's five strategic minerals and plays a key role in modern technologies, including renewable energy, electronics, defence and healthcare. 'In Malaysia, particularly in Kelantan, there are significant deposits of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE). However, geological features such as ion-adsorption clay make the extraction process more challenging and require a sustainable, innovative and environmentally friendly approach. 'This collaboration underlines that the development of the REE industry cannot be done in isolation. Its success depends on strong synergy among research institutions, government agencies and industry players to ensure the technologies developed are sustainable, relevant and scalable at the national level,' he said in a statement. He added that UMK also has a group of young, proactive and competent researchers capable of developing REE solutions across the value chain, which further enhances the value of the signed MoUs. Commenting further, Arham said the second MoU involves bilateral cooperation between UMK and Upstream Downstream Process & Services Sdn Bhd, focusing on technology transfer and direct industry testing. 'As an entrepreneurial university, UMK strives to balance academic research needs with industrial application. This collaboration reflects UMK's commitment to driving the development of the local REE ecosystem in Kelantan,' he said. -- BERNAMA
